new tire (and more chars for subject)

Well, I'll be having a new Metzeler Lasertec front tire put on Saturday, I'm dropping back down to stock size, 100/90x18 (for 1983). When the rear gets replaced, I'll probably drop it back down to stock as well (currently at 120/90)

I don't think Metzeler makes a 110/90-18 rear Lasertec. The choices I've found are a 4.00-18 or the 120/90-18. The guys at American Moto Tire told me the 4.00 is smaller than the 110/90.

Just figured I'd let you know what I found with rear tires when I was looking at replacing the SuperVenoms last year. The sizing is the only reason I didn't go with the Lasertecs. However, I may be going with them on my next set, using the 120/90-18 rear.

H2O

Last edited by H2O on Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:18 pm; edited 3 times in total

I switched to the metzlers. 100/90 front 4.00 rear. AMAZING (from 90/90f and 120/90 rear Cheing Shin) They feel fantastic. the 4.0 rear works out to be 101.5/90-18. its about a 1% difference, so i think its pretty negligible.

The first turn i took i yelled in surprise in to my headset. the vision DOVE in to the corner, and BOUNDED back out, it was 'mazing! But i think that is on 20% the metzlers doing, the other 80% was the mismatched sizing before.

Also, get some good valve stems wile you are at it, but you guys probably already knew that one.

Standard on the 1983 is 100/90 front and 110/90 rear. I did notice that the front end felt more like steering quickly with the 100 front, though I am not sure whether that is the size decrease (110 down to 100) or a new rounded tire

[quote="Kid Jedi"]I switched to the metzlers. 100/90 front 4.00 rear. AMAZING (from 90/90f and 120/90 rear Cheing Shin) They feel fantastic. the 4.0 rear works out to be 101.5/90-18. its about a 1% difference, so i think its pretty negligible. [quote]

It's a greater difference than that. Compare a 100/90-18 to a 110/90-18 side by side (same brand & model tire). If a 4.00-18 comes to a 101.5/90-18, it would be like running two front sized tires on the bike.

H2O

Last edited by H2O on Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:17 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Dealt with reputation stuff - no longer pertinent, so I deleted it.)

I just put an Avon 100/90 Venom X on my front. Man, the tire tread design looks sharp! I used one on my Venture and was super impressed over the Dunlop Elites. I'm not disappointed on the Vision either. Extremely precise & progressive steering to my old Bridgestone Spitfire. It greatly improves confidence in cornering. I am going with the 110/90 rear Avon Roadrider until they no longer become available.

So far I like the Metzeler Lasertec 100/90 on my bike. It's pretty much the same tire I had before, but in San Francisco the tire and mounting are expensive (along with everything else.) I think I mentioned that the new tire seems to make my bike more responsive, and I don't know whether that's because of the 100/90 or the fact that it's not worn. Either way, it drops into and out of corners easily.

Brian

P.S. sorry to hear about the bad news on the tire.

Oh yes, it was rather amusing getting the tire mounted. I think 1/2 the staff had to go out and look at my bike, including one of them who said the Vision was his first bike. They were impressed that I have that many miles on it (44000 almost), that I am the original owner, and that it's the original stator...

Brian, I think you and your stator should be nominated for "sainthood." At the very least you are leading a very charmed life, let's keep it going just for the record books!

It would be nice to have a few bikes with different tires (close to new) to compare side by side. New is definitely better than old and most high end brands are really amazing quality now and even "affordable" brands are decent rides these days. It's a treat to be able to buy a decent tire every now and then.